St. Ann's Warehouse Presents THE WRECKING BALL Gala Concert, 5/7

Over the course of 33 years in Downtown Brooklyn, St. Ann's Warehouse has distinguished itself as a singular force on both the New York City cultural landscape and the international performing arts scene. During the last 11 years, the organization has transformed a former spice-milling factory at 38 Water Street in DUMBO into a home for American avant-garde and International Artists and companies. At The Wrecking Ball, the final multi-artist gala concert at 38 Water Street, St. Ann's celebrates with artists and patrons before moving to the nearby 29 Jay Street this fall.

St. Ann's has presented nearly all of the artists performing in The Wrecking Ball concert, whether at 38 Water Street or, previously, in the landmark Church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights. Sam Amidon and Nico Muhly both performed in the world premiere of Tell the Way (2011), which Muhly composed for the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. St. Ann's commissioned Bill Frisell Plays For Buster Keaton, scores for six of the master's silent films, and premiered the work in its 1992-93 season at the church. Frisell also performed in the inaugural season of St. Ann's Warehouse. Likewise, Emmylou Harris has performed at both the church and 38 Water. Karen O and Nick Zinner performed in O's psycho-opera Stop the Virgens, which St. Ann's and The Creators Project premiered at the outset of the current St. Ann's season. Lou Reed is a longtime friend of St. Ann's, which reunited him and John Cale for Songs for 'Drella in 1989 and premiered Lou Reed's Berlin in 2006. Although he has never performed at St. Ann's, Reeve Carney, who will play Jeff Buckley in a forthcoming biopic, makes his live debut performing as Jeff in a tribute to Buckley as part of the gala, much as Jeff made his New York debut in Greetings from Tim Buckley, a tribute to Jeff's father produced and presented by St. Ann's in 1992. Thomas Bartlett serves as The Wrecking Ball Music Director.

The Wrecking Ball honors Jane, David, and Jed Walentas, whose generosity have enabled St. Ann's to thrive in DUMBO. They and their company Two Trees Management have provided the organization with its versatile warehouse at 38 Water rent-free for the last 11 years and have played a key role in the growth of DUMBO and the revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn as a destination for art and culture.

On May 7, The Wrecking Ball will begin at 6:30 PM with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the lobby. The concert will begin at 7:45 PM, and dinner and dessert will follow at 9:15 PM.